U.S. allies are only loyal when cash is flowing
LETTERS LETTERS@USATODAY.COM German Chancellor Angela Merkel is an
embarrassment to the world. Her statement insinuating that the United States is no longer a reliable partner is a demonstration of both arrogance and ignorance.
Just for the record, the U.S. experienced over 500,000 deaths defeating Germany and its allies in World War I and II. Merkel’s gratitude for our successful efforts in liberating Europe from Germany, twice in the past 100 years, is sadly lacking.
Has Germany ever been a reliable partner to the United States? I believe the answer is no. German troops even fought against America in our Revolutionary War to gain our freedom from England. And today, Germany is trying to get a free ride on the backs of American taxpayers because it doesn’t pay the required 2% of GDP to help finance NATO. Larry Manross Scottsdale, Ariz.
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President Trump’s foreign trip was a complete disaster. No wonder he tweeted how great it was. He is completely delusional. Keith Brooks
Finally, a president who isn’t afraid to throw political correctness to the wind and call out those phony European socialists for what they are, which is noth- ing more than group of entitled countries! Thank you, Mr. President! Kayla Roberts
Of course, some foreign allies distanced themselves from the U.S. and Trump! Anyone in their right mind is distancing themselves from him. Amy Scholtens Olson
Yes, it’s important to have great relations with the international community but by the looks of it, if America is not willing to pay for it, then all bets are off. I like the president’s idea to do things through international commerce and not through handouts. In case you hadn’t noticed, America is in serious financial trouble. Supporting Europe can be done in other ways besides sending a check over there, and that’s what they seem to have a problem with. Orville Boutilier
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We asked our followers whether President Trump’s foreign trip was a success.
I feel as though Trump made things worse, but we won’t see the outcome until years later. @MyrickSaumjb
I do think it was a success. I think Trump set the stage and reintroduced America’s role in the free world. He also put NATO on notice. Good! @confusedabout
Not at all. If anything, Trump hurt relations with our allies and embarrassed this country. @mark_ca
Absolute success, as Trump said he’d do during his campaign. He’s right on radical Islam, NATO financing, support for Israel and peace prospects in the Middle East. @artknapp88
Offending other world leaders — whether they deserve it or not — is not, and should not be, considered a success. Trump damaged our good standing with foreign allies. @Mexilente